PUBLIC CAN NOW VOTE FOR TOP H1N1 VIDEOS

After receiving more than 100 entries to CDPH’s “California Film Festival — Lights, Camera, Save Lives” contest, members of the public are now invited to go online and cast a vote for their favorite.

A gold and silver award will be selected. The gold winner will receive a $500 gift card provided by the non-profit California Immunization Coalition, and both the gold and silver winners will have their video aired on television. Californians can vote for their favorite starting today through Thursday November 12 at http://cdphfilmfest.org.

“We are thrilled to see so many creative video entries,” said CDPH’s director Dr. Mark Horton. “These videos will help communicate the simple but important methods of flu prevention – wash your hands, cough into your sleeve, stay home when you’re sick, and get vaccinated when it’s available.

“As we work together to fight the spread of H1N1, these videos from talented Californians will help us spread the word, not the flu.”

Both amateur and professional California residents age 14 and older were invited to create a 15, 30 or 60 second video that will motivate people to take steps that will help prevent the spread of H1N1 and seasonal flu. Participants were required to include one of the four H1N1 flu prevention methods in their video: wash hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, stay home when sick, get vaccinated when available. After the public vote, final winners will be identified by state officials for a special award presentation.